Suzuki reaches deal with Twins

Baldwin graduate’s contract reportedly for one year, $2.75 million

December 21, 2013

Kurt Suzuki has reached agreement on a deal with the Minnesota Twins, the Baldwin High School graduate confirmed Friday.

The 30-year-old catcher said he had taken a physical, and was waiting for his contract to be officially announced.

According to a source cited by Major League Baseball's website, the Twins signed Suzuki to a one-year deal worth $2.75 million.

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Kurt Suzuki batted .232 with five home runs and 32 RBIs with the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics this year.

AP file photo

"Minnesota always appealed to me. They have a great coaching staff, a great tradition," Suzuki said.

Suzuki batted .232 with five home runs and 32 RBIs with the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics this year, and threw out eight of 65 runners attempting to steal. The A's declined an $8.5 million option on him last month.

Suzuki will likely share time with rookie Josmil Pinto next season, with six-time All-Star catcher Joe Mauer moving to first base.

"I'm just going out there, and I'm looking forward to getting the opportunity to play as much as I can and helping out," Suzuki said.

In 840 games over seven major league seasons, Suzuki has a .253 average, with 67 home runs and 359 RBIs, and has thrown out 159 of 610 runners (26.0 percent) attempting to steal.